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Gureyev TE, Paganin DM, Quiney HM. Signal-to-noise and spatial resolution in in-line imaging. 1. Basic theory, numerical simulations and planar experimental images. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2024; 31:896-909. [PMID: 38843003 PMCID: PMC11226163 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577524003886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution are quantitatively analysed in the context of in-line (propagation based) X-ray phase-contrast imaging. It is known that free-space propagation of a coherent X-ray beam from the imaged object to the detector plane, followed by phase retrieval in accordance with Paganin's method, can increase the signal-to-noise in the resultant images without deteriorating the spatial resolution. This results in violation of the noise-resolution uncertainty principle and demonstrates `unreasonable' effectiveness of the method. On the other hand, when the process of free-space propagation is performed in software, using the detected intensity distribution in the object plane, it cannot reproduce the same effectiveness, due to the amplification of photon shot noise. Here, it is shown that the performance of Paganin's method is determined by just two dimensionless parameters: the Fresnel number and the ratio of the real decrement to the imaginary part of the refractive index of the imaged object. The relevant theoretical analysis is performed first, followed by computer simulations and then by a brief test using experimental images collected at a synchrotron beamline. More extensive experimental tests will be presented in the second part of this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timur E. Gureyev
- School of PhysicsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
- School of Physics and AstronomyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoria3800Australia
| | - David M. Paganin
- School of Physics and AstronomyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoria3800Australia
| | - Harry M. Quiney
- School of PhysicsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
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Bustillo JPO, Paino J, Barnes M, Cameron M, Rosenfeld AB, Lerch MLF. Characterization of selected additive manufacturing materials for synchrotron monochromatic imaging and broad-beam radiotherapy at the Australian synchrotron-imaging and medical beamline. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:115055. [PMID: 38718813 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad48f7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Objective.This study aims to characterize radiological properties of selected additive manufacturing (AM) materials utilizing both material extrusion and vat photopolymerization technologies. Monochromatic synchrotron x-ray images and synchrotron treatment beam dosimetry were acquired at the hutch 3B and 2B of the Australian Synchrotron-Imaging and Medical Beamline.Approach.Eight energies from 30 keV up to 65 keV were used to acquire the attenuation coefficients of the AM materials. Comparison of theoretical, and experimental attenuation data of AM materials and standard solid water for MV linac was performed. Broad-beam dosimetry experiment through attenuated dose measurement and a Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation were done for the studied materials to investigate its attenuation properties specific for a 4 tesla wiggler field with varying synchrotron radiation beam qualities.Main results.Polylactic acid (PLA) plus matches attenuation coefficients of both soft tissue and brain tissue, while acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, and Draft resin have close equivalence to adipose tissue. Lastly, PLA, co-polyester plus, thermoplastic polyurethane, and White resins are promising substitute materials for breast tissue. For broad-beam experiment and simulation, many of the studied materials were able to simulate RMI457 Solid Water and bolus within ±10% for the three synchrotron beam qualities. These results are useful in fabricating phantoms for synchrotron and other related medical radiation applications such as orthovoltage treatments.Significance and conclusion.These 3D printing materials were studied as potential substitutes for selected tissues such as breast tissue, adipose tissue, soft-tissue, and brain tissue useful in fabricating 3D printed phantoms for synchrotron imaging, therapy, and orthovoltage applications. Fabricating customizable heterogeneous anthropomorphic phantoms (e.g. breast, head, thorax) and pre-clinical animal phantoms (e.g. rodents, canine) for synchrotron imaging and radiotherapy using AM can be done based on the results of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Paul O Bustillo
- Center for Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila City 1000, Metro Manila, The Philippines
| | - Jason Paino
- Center for Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Micah Barnes
- Center for Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Imaging and Medical Beamline, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation- Australian Synchrotron, Kulin Nation, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Matthew Cameron
- Imaging and Medical Beamline, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation- Australian Synchrotron, Kulin Nation, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Anatoly B Rosenfeld
- Center for Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Michael L F Lerch
- Center for Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong Australia, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Gunaseelan I, Amin Zadeh A, Arhatari B, Maksimenko A, Hall C, Hausermann D, Kumar B, Fox J, Quiney H, Lockie D, Lewis S, Brennan P, Gureyev T, Tavakoli Taba S. Propagation-based phase-contrast imaging of the breast: image quality and the effect of X-ray energy and radiation dose. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20221189. [PMID: 37665247 PMCID: PMC10546460 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20221189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) is a new imaging technique that exploits refractive and absorption properties of X-rays to enhance soft tissue contrast and improve image quality. This study compares image quality of PB-CT and absorption-based CT (AB-CT) for breast imaging while exploring X-ray energy and radiation dose. METHODS Thirty-nine mastectomy samples were scanned at energy levels of 28-34keV using a flat panel detector at radiation dose levels of 4mGy and 2mGy. Image quality was assessed using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), spatial resolution (res) and visibility (vis). Statistical analysis was performed to compare PB-CT images against their corresponding AB-CT images scanned at 32keV and 4mGy. RESULTS The PB-CT images at 4mGy, across nearly all energy levels, demonstrated superior image quality than AB-CT images at the same dose. At some energy levels, the 2mGy PB-CT images also showed better image quality in terms of CNR/Res and vis compared to the 4mGy AB-CT images. At both investigated doses, SNR and SNR/res were found to have a statistically significant difference across all energy levels. The difference in vis was statistically significant at some energy levels. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates superior image quality of PB-CT over AB-CT, with X-ray energy playing a crucial role in determining image quality parameters. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Our findings reveal that standard dose PB-CT outperforms standard dose AB-CT across all image quality metrics. Additionally, we demonstrate that low dose PB-CT can produce superior images compared to standard dose AB-CT in terms of CNR/Res and vis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indusaa Gunaseelan
- Discipline of Medical Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Camperdown, Australia
| | | | - Benedicta Arhatari
- Australian Synchrotron, Australian National Science and Technology Organisation, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anton Maksimenko
- Australian Synchrotron, Australian National Science and Technology Organisation, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher Hall
- Australian Synchrotron, Australian National Science and Technology Organisation, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel Hausermann
- Australian Synchrotron, Australian National Science and Technology Organisation, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Beena Kumar
- Monash Health Pathology Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane Fox
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Harry Quiney
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Darren Lockie
- Maroondah BreastScreen, Eastern Health, Ringwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Lewis
- Discipline of Medical Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Patrick Brennan
- Discipline of Medical Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Timur Gureyev
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Seyedamir Tavakoli Taba
- Discipline of Medical Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Camperdown, Australia
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Markötter H, Sintschuk M, Britzke R, Dayani S, Bruno G. Upgraded imaging capabilities at the BAMline (BESSY II). JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2022; 29:1292-1298. [PMID: 36073889 PMCID: PMC9455212 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577522007342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The BAMline at the BESSY II synchrotron X-ray source has enabled research for more than 20 years in widely spread research fields such as materials science, biology, cultural heritage and medicine. As a nondestructive characterization method, synchrotron X-ray imaging, especially tomography, plays a particularly important role in structural characterization. A recent upgrade of key equipment of the BAMline widens its imaging capabilities: shorter scan acquisition times are now possible, in situ and operando studies can now be routinely performed, and different energy spectra can easily be set up. In fact, the upgraded double-multilayer monochromator brings full flexibility by yielding different energy spectra to optimize flux and energy resolution as desired. The upgraded detector (based on an sCMOS camera) also allows exploiting the higher flux with reduced readout times. Furthermore, an installed slip ring allows the sample stage to continuously rotate. The latter feature enables tomographic observation of processes occurring in the time scale of a few seconds.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Markötter
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - M. Sintschuk
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - R. Britzke
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - S. Dayani
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - G. Bruno
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24/25, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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Materials Separation via the Matrix Method Employing Energy-Discriminating X-ray Detection. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12063198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The majority of lab-based X-ray sources are polychromatic and are not easily tunable, which can make the 3D quantitative analysis of multi-component samples challenging. The lack of effective materials separation when using conventional X-ray tube sources has motivated the development of a number of potential solutions including the application of dual-energy X-ray computed tomography (CT) as well as the use of X-ray filters. Here, we demonstrate the simultaneous decomposition of two low-density materials via inversion of the linear attenuation matrices using data from the energy-discriminating PiXirad detector. A key application for this method is soft-tissue differentiation which is widely used in biological and medical imaging. We assess the effectiveness of this approach using both simulation and experiment noting that none of the materials investigated here incorporate any contrast enhancing agents. By exploiting the energy discriminating properties of the detector, narrow energy bands are created resulting in multiple quasi-monochromatic images being formed using a broadband polychromatic source. Optimization of the key parameters for materials separation is first demonstrated in simulation followed by experimental validation using a phantom test sample in 2D and a small-animal model in 3D.
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Improving a Rapid Alignment Method of Tomography Projections by a Parallel Approach. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11167598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The high resolution of synchrotron cryo-nano tomography can be easily undermined by setup instabilities and sample stage deficiencies such as runout or backlash. At the cost of limiting the sample visibility, especially in the case of bio-specimens, high contrast nano-beads are often added to the solution to provide a set of landmarks for a manual alignment. However, the spatial distribution of these reference points within the sample is difficult to control, resulting in many datasets without a sufficient amount of such critical features for tracking. Fast automatic methods based on tomography consistency are thus desirable, especially for biological samples, where regular, high contrast features can be scarce. Current off-the-shelf implementations of such classes of algorithms are slow if used on a real-world high-resolution dataset. In this paper, we present a fast implementation of a consistency-based alignment algorithm especially tailored to a multi-GPU system. Our implementation is released as open-source.
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